Outfit Inspiration for Your Santa Visit

What to Wear for Your Santa Visit: Style Tips for a Magical Experience

Your Santa visit at Santa’s Workshop is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with wonder, joy, and heirloom-quality portraits. Choosing the perfect outfit can make all the difference in creating timeless holiday memories! Here are my top tips on what to wear for your Santa session, plus a few of my favorite places to shop for that picture-perfect look.

Parents, Be Photo-Ready Too! 📸

While the focus is on your little ones, parents may also be included in photos! Whether it’s a cozy family cuddle with Santa or a sweet moment of your child looking up at you, you’ll want to look your best. Neutral tones, soft sweaters, and timeless pieces work beautifully. Moms, consider a flowy dress or a cozy knit, and dads, a nice sweater or button-down with classic pants will keep the look polished yet effortless.

Classic Christmas Colors & Timeless Styles

When choosing outfits, think deep reds, forest greens, creams, golds, and cozy neutrals—colors that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas. Soft textures like knit sweaters, velvet dresses, and wool cardigans add a cozy and elegant touch to your photos.

Coordinating (Not Matching!) Family Outfits

Instead of matching outfits exactly, aim for a coordinated look using complementary colors and textures. Layering different fabrics—such as a plaid dress with a knit cardigan or a flannel shirt with suspenders—creates depth and dimension in photos.

Dresses & Rompers for Girls

For girls, timeless smocked dresses, velvet rompers, or classic plaid patterns are always a hit. Add knee-high socks or tights with Mary Janes or boots for an extra festive touch! Some of my favorite places to shop include:

• Jamie Kay – Beautiful vintage-inspired pieces with delicate details.

• Hannah Anderson – High-quality, soft cotton dresses and pajamas in classic holiday prints.

• Noralee – Dreamy, heirloom-style dresses that look straight out of a Christmas fairytale.

Classic & Dapper Looks for Boys

For boys, think classic button-down shirts, cozy knits, and tailored pants. Suspenders, bow ties, and even a stylish vest can add that extra touch of holiday charm. A few go-to places for dapper holiday looks are:

• Janie and Jack – Timeless, dressy styles with a nostalgic feel.

• J.Crew – Modern yet classic pieces.

• H&M Kids – Budget-friendly options with great holiday selections.

Festive Pajamas & Cozy Looks

Some families love a Christmas morning pajama look, which adds a cozy, storytelling feel to Santa photos. If you’re going this route, consider matching organic cotton or flannel pajamas from:

• Only Little Once – The gold standard in matching family PJs!

• Gymboree  – Some pjs and more formal Christmas looks. 

• Burt’s Bees Baby – Affordable, organic, and classic Christmas styles.

Accessories & Final Touches

• Hats, bows, and headbands – Add a sweet holiday bow or a classic knit hat for a festive touch.

• Shoes matter! – Stay away from sneakers if possible; instead, go for dress shoes, boots, or soft-soled Mary Janes.

• Avoid large logos & distracting patterns – Solid colors, simple plaids, and classic prints help keep the focus on your child’s joyful expressions and the magic of Santa.

Make Your Santa Experience Extra Special!

Dressing up for Santa is part of the magic! Whether you choose a fancy holiday dress, a dapper sweater vest, or cozy pajamas, the key is to feel festive, comfortable, and ready to embrace the wonder of Christmas.

And don’t forget—parents, you may be in the photos too! Be sure to coordinate with your little ones and dress in a way that makes you feel great and fits the festive theme.

I can’t wait to see your family light up in their special outfits as they step into Santa’s Workshop! 

Need help choosing the perfect look? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help with styling suggestions!

See you soon for your magical Santa visit!